Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Texas?

A car accident in Texas can leave you with costly medical expenses, and determining who is responsible for paying them can be confusing. While the at-fault driver is generally liable, insurance companies and policies like health insurance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage all play a role. Understanding who pays for medical bills after a car accident is crucial to avoiding financial stress.

If you were injured in a car accident in Texas, you may have multiple options to cover your medical expenses. Our experienced Texas car accident attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Does The At-Fault Driver Pay for Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

Texas follows a fault-based system, which means the driver responsible for the accident is typically liable for damages, including medical expenses. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s car insurance should cover your medical bills under their liability coverage. However, this process isn’t always straightforward, especially when dealing with medical payment insurance.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

The at-fault driver’s insurance company may dispute liability, delaying payment.
Medical bills are not paid immediately—you must wait until the car accident claim is settled or file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to rely on your own auto insurance coverage.

Since insurance claims and lawsuits can take months or years to settle or be tried, many car accident victims struggle to cover medical bills in the meantime. This is where health insurance, PIP, or a Letter of Protection may help.

Will My Health Insurance Cover Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

If you have health insurance, it may help pay for your medical treatment, but there are important factors to consider:

Your health insurance company will require reimbursement if you receive a car accident settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Even if your health insurance covers some costs, you may still have co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses.
Not all medical providers accept health insurance for car accident injuries — they may prefer working with Letters of Protection instead.

While health insurance can help cover medical expenses, it doesn’t replace the at-fault driver’s financial responsibility following a car accident. You must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider to recover compensation for medical bills paid after a car accident.

How Do Auto Insurance Policies Cover Medical Expenses?

Depending on your auto insurance policy, you may have several options to cover your medical expenses after a car accident in Texas:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Texas requires insurance companies to offer PIP, but drivers can reject it in writing. If you have PIP coverage, it helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related costs, regardless of fault.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Like PIP, MedPay helps cover medical bills after an accident, but it does not cover lost wages or additional expenses.
Liability Insurance: If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses. However, claims take time to process, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the driver who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance (or any insurance at all), UM/UIM coverage can help pay your medical bills and other expenses resulting from the auto accident.

Many accident victims don’t realize they have PIP or UM/UIM coverage until they need it. Checking your policy and understanding your rights can help you make informed decisions about paying medical bills after a car accident.

What If My Medical Bills Exceed the At-Fault Driver's Insurance Limits?

Texas law requires drivers to carry liability insurance. Still, these policies have coverage limits that may not be enough to fully cover your medical bills and expenses after a serious accident. Your medical bills may exceed what the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay, but you still have options, including:

Filing a personal injury Claim: If the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t fully cover your medical costs, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional compensation.
Using additional insurance coverage: If you have PIP, MedPay, or UM/UIM coverage, these policies can help bridge the gap.
Receiving care under a Letter of Protection (LOP): A LOP (sometimes referred to as a medical lien) allows you to get necessary medical treatment with payment deferred until your case settles. This can help ensure you receive the care you need while holding the responsible party accountable.

If your injuries require long-term treatment or specialized care, a Texas car accident lawyer can help you explore the best options for covering medical expenses without unnecessary delays.

Can a Letter of Protection Help Cover My Medical Expenses?

A Letter of Protection (LOP) is an agreement between you and your medical provider that allows you to receive medical treatment now, with payment deferred until your case is resolved. Instead of being limited by health insurance restrictions, a LOP enables you to pursue treatment that fully addresses your injuries without out-of-pocket costs upfront.

Key benefits of a Letter of Protection include:

Access to specialists and comprehensive treatment without worrying about insurance coverage limits.
Delaying payment until after your case is settled, ensuring the responsible party ultimately pays for your medical expenses.
Prioritizing your recovery so you get the treatment you need without being rushed through the process.

A Letter of Protection is commonly used in Texas as an alternative to relying on health insurance, which may restrict the type or length of treatment you receive. If your injuries require extensive care, a car accident attorney can help coordinate with medical providers who accept LOPs and ensure that your treatment costs are factored into your settlement.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Pay for Your Medical Bills?

After a car accident in Texas, navigating medical bills and insurance claims can be overwhelming. An experienced car accident attorney can help by:

Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but a car accident lawyer ensures you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Coordinating with medical providers through a Letter of Protection: If needed, a car accident attorney can help arrange for medical treatment with payment deferred until your case is resolved.
Filing a personal injury claim: If the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover your full medical expenses, an attorney can help you file a claim or lawsuit to recover additional compensation.
Maximizing your settlement: A lawyer ensures that all current and future medical costs are properly included in your car accident settlement so you aren’t left with unpaid bills after your case is resolved.

With legal support, you can focus on recovery while your attorney handles the financial and legal complexities of your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for Medical Expenses?

If you need to recover compensation for your medical bills after a car accident in Texas, it’s essential to act quickly. Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a car accident. This means you have two years from the accident date to take legal action against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties.

Failing to file within this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Even if you plan to settle with a car insurance company, starting the claims process early is essential. Delays can impact your ability to collect medical expenses and other losses.

Should I Accept an Insurance Settlement Offer for My Medical Bills?

offer may not always be in your best interest. Here’s why:

Initial offers may not cover all medical expenses: Some injuries require ongoing treatment, and once you accept a settlement, you cannot return for more money.
Future medical costs may be overlooked: If you need long-term care or rehabilitation, the settlement should account for these expenses.
Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts, making it essential to document all medical bills paid: Their goal is to settle for the lowest amount possible, not necessarily what you deserve.

Before accepting any offer, consult with a skilled car accident lawyer to ensure the settlement fully covers your medical bills, future medical care, and other losses. A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.

Can I Delay Medical Treatment Until I Receive Compensation?

Delaying medical treatment after a car accident is never a good idea. Not only can this harm your health, but it can also hurt your personal injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious if you waited too long to seek medical attention.

What Medical Expenses Can Be Reimbursed in a Car Accident Settlement?

A personal injury claim can cover various medical expenses, including:

Emergency room visits
Hospital stays and surgeries
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Prescription medications
Future medical care related to the accident

What If I Don't Have Health Insurance or PIP Coverage?

If you don’t have health insurance or PIP coverage, you still have options to get your medical bills paid.

A Letter of Protection (LOP) can allow you to receive treatment while waiting for a settlement.
You may qualify for Medicaid or financial assistance programs.
A car accident lawyer can help you explore alternative options for paying medical bills.

Can I Be Sent to Collections for Unpaid Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

Yes. If your medical bills go unpaid, your medical provider may send them to collections. This is why exploring options such as PIP coverage, a Letter of Protection, or filing a personal injury claim is essential to ensure your bills are covered.

What Happens If My Injuries Require Long-Term Medical Treatment?

If your injuries require ongoing medical treatment, your personal injury claim should account for future medical expenses. An experienced attorney can work with medical experts to estimate the cost of future medical care and include it in your settlement demand for medical bills after an accident.

Get Help With Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident

Medical expenses after a car accident in Texas can add up quickly. If you’re struggling to pay for medical treatment, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you explore your options and seek the compensation for medical expenses you deserve.

Contact Allbee Law Firm today for a free consultation at (972) 848-4848. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills and other losses.

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CONTACT INFO

Address

5787 S. Hampton Rd.

Ste. 445

Dallas TX 75232

Phone

(972) 848-4848

Hours

Calls are answered 24/7

Office hours are 8 am – 5 pm

Monday – Friday

Office Location

One West Hills Building

(Near Hampton Road and Marvin

D. Love Freeway / U.S. Highway 67)